The Great American Paradox- Freedom

Freedom

An esoteric term Americans seem to love.

Let me tell you a story.

While in Australia I experienced; $31 dollar an hour wages, virtually no crime, happiness beyond belief, some of the best relationships I’ve ever had and… no racism. So when I went home I had high expectations for America. I was only going to be in the US for a little while so I decided to do some A-B split testing (marketing term) between Aus and USA.

I came back at the perfect time because apparently March is the best time to throw 2 “Merica” themed parties.

I went to these parties with an open mind, but I couldn’t wrap my head around why people were screaming “Merica'” and wearing 5 inch shorts with the American Flag on them. I dressed up for the occasion but I wanted some answers. Why all the blind patriotism?

It seems like Americans are the first to boast about the greatness of America but when asked on the reason for that belief, they all say “freedom”. At these parties I asked people a non-condescending question.

“Why is America so great?” Seems like a fit occasion for the question. “MERICA!”… Right?

Out of all the people that I asked; 8 said freedom, 2 got offended, and the rest said the girls, beer etc…

“Okay” I responded, “What does FREEDOM mean to you?”.

Silence.

Most millennials have no idea what freedom means.

History of American Freedom

At a point in history, (a point when I wasn’t alive) America WAS the greatest country in the world. In the early 1900’s we had the most powerful military, Europe was in ruins, The Great Depression was coming to an end so our economy was booming. There was no Australia or New Zealand. SE Asia was a shithole and Europe was completely fucked by war.

So who is America to compete against? What other first world countries were viable?

Zero.

But every since that point, Americans have been chanting “U.S.A…. U.S.A….U.S.A” and we’ve never stopped.

No doubt I’m glad to be an American. Being an American gives me the freedom to get the fuck out. If I were born in Pakistan or some other 3rd worldly place, no doubt I wouldn’t have any freedom. But in a fair comparison against first world countries… in 2016…. America isn’t the best country.

High in violence. Extremely obese. Horrible GMO food. High in depression and antidepressants. Shitty minimum wage.

I’m not bashing America because I think it’s “edgy” or “cool” to do so. I just want Americans to wake the fuck up and realize that you’ve been lied to your whole life and that you may find better options abroad.